Perhaps the flattest counties in England, the wide expanses of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire are made up of largely agricultural economies, much of their fenland countryside the result of land drainage which started in earnest with the assistance of Dutch experts during the 17th century. The fens – natural marshlands – were drained of their moisture by redirecting the natural water courses and water levels, much of it to join the Great Ouse at King’s Lynn. The resulting soil is amongst the most fertile in the country, making it a particularly popular location for professional horticulturalists, vegetable farmers and flower growers.
Things to do in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire The Fens are often referred to as the ‘Holy Land of the English’, given their wealth of prominent churches, abbeys and cathedrals. Ely, Thorney, Peterborough, Crowland, Ramsey, Boston and Cambridge all boast significant and striking ecclesiastical buildings.
Top Destinations Ely – Ely Cathedral is considered by many to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Mediaeval World, its asymmetrical towers dominating the low-lying fen landscape for miles around, and leading to its status as ‘the ship of the Fens’. The Isle of Ely was once a literal island, surrounded by fenland before the area was tamed and drained in the 7th century. The railway trainlines snake gently into this, the third smallest city in England, bringing travellers from London, Cambridge and King’s Lynn. A small marina on the River Great Ouse, close to the centre of the town, allows river mariners to overhear the railway station platform announcements as the boats make their way up- and down-stream.
Spalding – Known as the ‘Heart of the Fens’ this market town is renowned as the centre of the bulb industry, with its annual Tulip Parade celebrating its links with this most Dutch of flowers. Its local community radio station is appropriated named ‘Tulip Radio’.
Louth– Self-proclaimed ‘capital of the Lincolnshire Wolds’, the market town of Louth is situated at the intersection of the ancient trackway of Barton Street and the River Lud. It is also on the Greenwich Meridian, a fact celebrated by a plaque on Eastgate. The spire of St James’ Church is a prominent local feature, and is reputed to be the tallest Anglican parish church in the UK.
Lincoln – The amazing silhouette of Lincoln Cathedral is visible up to 25 miles from this historic fenland city. With its dramatic Romanesque West Front, the cathedral has been a place of worship for almost a thousand years, providing a haven of peace and contemplation amidst this bustling modern city. Nearby, Lincoln Castle is one of the finest remaining Norman castles in the country, housing one of the last four copies of the Magna Carta, and continuing to draw visitors to regular events and historical re-enactments throughout the year.
Stamford – Situated 100 miles north of London, on the River Welland, the town is particularly noted for its distinctive, fine 17th and 18th century pale stone buildings, as well as a number of older, timber-framed houses and five mediaeval parish churches. Just outside the town, the parkland of the Burghley estate, laid out by Capability Brown, is now home to the annual, international, three-day eventing horse trials. Burghley House, one of the largest and grandest houses of the Elizabethan age, was built by Sir William Cecil, and took 32 years to construct. The house is still run by his descendents, and the estate is open to visitors for most of the year.
Peterborough– Near to a settlement founded by Romans as a fortified garrison on Ermine Street, Peterborough was transformed from a market town existence into an industrial centre by the coming of the Victorian railway, as it bisected the country on its route from London to York. A magnificent 13th century cathedral, the 14th century tower of Longthorpe - a fortified manor house , the ecological gem that is Flag Fen, and some fine retail shopping opportunities, are just some of the attractions available to modern visitors to this city, situated on the River Nene.
Boston – An historic and attractive market town, Boston is dominated by its famous ‘Boston Stump’ – the 271ft tower of the 14th century St Botolph’s Church, which is visible from miles around, as the surrounding land is only a couple of metres above sea level. Situated near to the south-east coast, where the River Witham becomes the Haven on its way to the Wash, the town has long acted as a port, particularly handling agricultural and timber products.
Cambridge – Home to the second oldest university in the English-speaking world, in more recent years the city has become the hub of high-tech industries, attracting the nickname of ‘Silicon Fen’. The beautiful college buildings, King’s College Chapel and the Fitzwilliam Museum are particularly popular attractions for international visitors to the city.
Wimpole Hall – This impressive National Trust property was first built in 1643, and after much alternation and embellishment, it is now the largest country house in the county; the extensive hall and gardens are a popular day out; the grounds include a walled garden, which produces much of the fruit and vegetables used in the restaurant and to decorate the hall; pleasure grounds, with an extensive range of trees and bulb varieties, and a Victorian parterre, are also key features. The Hall is also home to the National Walnut Collection.
Royston Cave – This unique, beehive-shaped cave is believed to be 14th century. The mysterious cavernous creation is notable for its extensive range of wall carvings, many of them representing Christian themes, although some of the drawings have been interpreted as portraying pagan symbols.
Old Barn Cottages, Beech House, Great Sturton, Horncastle, Lincolnshire
Old Barn Cottages are located just outside Great Sturton - a small hamlet near Horncastle on the edge of the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds. Created through the sympathetic conversion of a red-brick Georgian ...
Lilac Cottage, Mavis Enderby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, Horncastle
One of a pretty pair of semi-detached cottages, offering good standard holiday accommodation, in a secluded tree-edged garden on the owner’s farm on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, ½ mile from public road, down our ...
Yew Tree Lodge, Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire, Skegness
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space.Living area: With electric coal-effect fire, 32’’ Freeview TV, DVD player, CD player, iPod dock and patio doors leading to garden.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric ...
If your looking for a relaxing holiday in luxurious and stylish pet friendly accommodation, with breathtaking scenery and accessibility along with privacy, then Greetham Retreat, situated deep in the heart of the ...
Fen Cottage, Little Downham, near Ely, Cambridgeshire
Accessed by a bridleway, this remote, attractive workers cottage, dating back to 1710, is nestled between the bank of the tidal New Bedford River, open farmland and Oxlode Lakes fishing pits. The river marks the eastern ...
Short Listed for 'Best Self Catering Holiday of the Year 2005 - 2006' and in the top six in East Midlands.
'All Seasons Holidays' provide one and two bedroomed apartments within a Georgian Regency terrace in the bustling ...
Mill Stream Barn has been recently converted to a high quality holiday cottage(4*Gold award).. Located in the heart of the beautiful but undiscovered Lincolnshire Wolds, it offers a perfect base for touring, cycling or ...
Ground floor: Living room/dining area/kitchen with French doors. 1 double bedroom. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. First floor: 1 twin galleried bedroom with sloping ceiling. ...
Ramp to entrance. Ground floor: Living room/dining area. Kitchen. 1 double bedroom with en-suite shower room and toilet. First floor: 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. ...
Short Listed for 'Best Self Catering Holiday of the Year 2005 - 2006' and in the top six in East Midlands.
'All Seasons Holidays' provide one and two bedroomed apartments within a Georgian Regency terrace in the bustling ...
Short Listed for 'Best Self Catering Holiday of the Year 2005 - 2006' and in the top six in East Midlands.
'All Seasons Holidays' provide one and two bedroomed apartments within a Georgian Regency terrace in the bustling ...
Archery Butts, Barton, near Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
With the spacious Leys meadow to the front aspect, Archery Butts combines a relaxing village setting with easy access to all the attractions of central Cambridge, just 3 miles away. Dating from the 18th century, the ...
Bainfield Lodge, Burgh on Bain, near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, Louth
Situated in the Lincolnshire Wolds next door to the owner, Bainfield Lodge, a detached cottage, provides a great base from which to simply sit back and relax, and also to explore this beautiful area of Lincolnshire.There ...
Ground floor: Living room with sofa bed (for alternative sleeping) and wooden floor/dining room/kitchen. Utility room. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. First floor: 2 bedrooms, both with laminate floor: 1 double ...
These delightful, individual barn conversions, situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have been sympathetically renovated and restored to a high standard whilst retaining ...
Ideal touring baseThis well furnished, detached mews holiday apartment with its own fully enclosed walled garden is set in a quiet location in the village of Cambourne, which has a good range of shops, tennis courts, a ...
With a fantastic view over the Lincolnshire Wolds, this semi-detached cottage provides comfortable and well-appointed holiday accommodation. When you are looking for a base from which to explore this beautiful area of the ...
Bramble, Burgh le Marsh, near Skegness, Lincolnshire
All on the ground floor:Open plan living space: With wooden floor.Living area: With Freeview TV and DVD player.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.Bedroom 1: ...
In a great location for exploring the area and with a lovely garden to relax in, Breeds Farm Cottage has been decorated and furnished with care, to offer a period retreat with all the modern conveniences needed for a great ...
Immerse yourself in the real English countryside at this tastefully decorated and well-equipped holiday cottage. Ideal for both business and leisure purposes, either as a base to explore from or just to relax in. Situated ...
Bulrush Lodge, Burgh le Marsh, near Skegness, Lincolnshire
All on ground floor:Open plan living space: With wooden floor.Living area: With Freeview TV and DVD player.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.Bedroom 1: With double bed ...
All on the ground floor.Living room: With 42' Freeview TV, DVD player, CD player, beams and French doors leading to courtyard.Kitchen/dining room: With electric oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and ...
Crab Cottage, Sutton-on-Sea, near Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire
Ideal for a family holiday near the coastSituated in the family, coastal resort of Sutton on Sea, on the main road where it joins Sandilands, these single storey properties provide a lovely base for a holiday. Drift Wood ...
Cromwell Cottage, a Grade II listed building, once owned by Oliver Cromwell’s family, is set in a peaceful area on the 6-acre Grafham Water Caravan Club site and provides everything guests need for a peaceful and ...
All on ground floor: Living room/dining area/kitchen. 2 bedrooms: 1 double (5ft), 1 twin. Bathroom with shower over bath, grab rails and toilet (toilet surround and seat raiser available on request). ...
This pet friendly, detached barn conversion is the perfect retreat for walkers and cyclists, with routes available straight from the door. Situated on a country lane (no through road), this property enjoys some of the most ...
Driftwood, Sutton-on-Sea, near Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire
Ideal for a family holiday near the coastSituated in the family, coastal resort of Sutton on Sea, on the main road where it joins Sandilands, these single storey properties provide a lovely base for a holiday. Drift Wood ...
Enjoying wide open views over arable fields, this delightful, semi-detached cottage is located on a conservation award-winning farm. Ideal for keen walkers, there are many beautiful walks in the area, including the Viking ...
Elm, Grasby, near Caistor, Lincolnshire, Market Rasen
These three holiday cottages are set in the picturesque and peaceful village of Grasby, in the beautiful and unspoilt Lincolnshire Wolds. Ash, Elm and Oak have each been awarded a 4* Gold award for self-catering ...
Elm Cottage, Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire, Skegness
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space.Living area: With Freeview TV, DVD player and CD player.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric oven, electric hob microwave, fridge and dishwasher.Conservatory.Bedroom 1: ...
Just a few steps from Ely’s historic city centre, Ely Retreat offers the perfect base for a great stay. Park up and venture out on foot and you will find a picturesque city centre with a great mix of high street, ...
Fen Cottage, Little Downham, near Ely, Cambridgeshire
Accessed by a bridleway, this remote, attractive workers cottage, dating back to 1710, is nestled between the bank of the tidal New Bedford River, open farmland and Oxlode Lakes fishing pits. The river marks the eastern ...
Field View, Wainfleet St. Mary, near Skegness,, Lincolnshire
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space.Living area: With 60' Freeview TV, DVD player, wireless bluetooth speaker and tiled floor.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric range, microwave, fridge, freezer, ...
Situated in the heart of the village of Tetford, opposite the dog-friendly village pub, Garden Cottage is ideally located for those wishing to explore the area and then enjoy a short stroll across the road for refreshment ...
United Kingdom cottages
